Billet loader for extrusion presses

Abstract

A billet loader for extrusion presses includes a pair of billet grippers supported by two arms. While the first arm is fixed in relation to the supporting structure, the second arm is mobile in relation to the first arm allowing a translational motion along the axis of the billet. The arms are joined together by a chain, which is parallel to the billet-press axis, consisting of links that allow bending in one direction only to form a rigid and continuous supporting device for the billet along its entire length. The billet can consist of one or more workpieces. The chain can be wound in the opposite direction around a rod.

1. A bar loader, for handling one or more workpieces to be fed into an extrusion press, comprising:
 a supporting structure, 
 a device able to position the one or more workpieces to be loaded on an axis of the press with a crosswise movement in respect of the axis of the press, 
 a pair of grippers for holding the one or more workpieces, solidarily supported by two respective arms; 
 wherein a first arm is fixed with respect to the supporting structure and a second arm is mobile with respect to the first arm in the direction of a translational motion parallel to the axis of the press; and 
 wherein said arms are connected by at least one chain arranged essentially parallel to the axis, the chain comprising links that allow bending in one direction only, the chain being rigid in one direction so as to support the one or more workpieces, and being adapted to wind in the opposite direction around a sprocket wheel. 
 
   
   
     2. A bar loader as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal element consists of two or more chains reciprocally parallel. 
   
   
     3. A bar loader as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the grippers have rollers in the holding area of the one or more workpieces, to reduce contact friction during the movement concerning the one or more workpieces and the grippers. 
   
   
     4. A bar loader as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one chain comprises rollers along a contact surface with the one or more workpieces, to reduce the contact friction during the movement concerning the chain and one or more workpieces. 
   
   
     5. A bar loader as claimed in  claim 1  wherein there are provided motor devices for moving the arms closer to one another and for repositioning them in the starting position. 
   
   
     6. A bar loader as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more workpieces are metal or alloy ingot or billet.